Although little is known about the painter Frans Badens, he was famous in his day as one of the most important painters who had moved to Amsterdam from outside. A native of Antwerp, he was admired for his realistic treatment of the skin. In this civic guard piece, Badens has given a sense of space to the composition, by creating a through view. A striking figure is the drummer in the centre. Occupying a low rank, he would scarcely have had the money to pay for his portrait. Probably he has been included, with the many lances and hats in the background, to give an impression of the whole company being present in the painting. The man in the elaborate and costly cuirass to the right of centre is the lieutenant, holding a richly decorated partisan. He is gesturing towards his captain, depicted on the other side of the ensign and clasping a short pikestaff.